1. What is gum disease?
This is a condition characterised by inflammation of the gums. It results in the loss of bone supporting the teeth and eventually teeth become loose and are lost.

2. What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a reversible gum condition. No permanent loss of bone or gum tissue has occurred.

3. What is periodontal disease?
This is a stage in gum disease where there has been some loss of supporting bone sometimes also associated with gum recession.

4. What is the cause of gum disease?
Gum disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque building up on teeth. How fast it progresses depends on how susceptible the individual is to gum disease, how good their oral hygiene is and other factors such as smoking.

5. Am I likely to suffer from gum disease?
You are likely to have gum disease if you have any of the following: If you find that your gums bleed easily, if you have bad breath, if you have gum recession, if your teeth are loose, or if your teeth have drifted out of the usual position.

1. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root that is placed in the bone where the natural tooth root used to be.

2. How many teeth can be replaced?
A single tooth can be replaced as can a full arch of teeth.

3. How do they work?
Implants are made of proven biocompatible material called titanium which is the same material that is used for artificial hips and knees. Once inserted the bone heals around them holding them firmly in place and then a tooth can be made to fit on top.

4. Can anyone have an implant?
As long as you are in good health most patients can have implants. Age is not an issue. Patients in their 80's have succesfully had implants placed. However adolescents cannot have dental implants until their growth has been completed.

5. What can I expect during the procedure?
Most patients have local anaesthetic like any other dental procedure. There is no pain during the procedure although there will be some sensation as some drilling is carried out. There will be some stiches in place for a week.

6. Will it hurt afterwards?
Some soreness is to be expected and sometimes swelling. However no special pain relief tablets are usually given. Most patients find ibuprofen or paracetamol are enough to control any pain.

1. How long are the appointments?
Appointments are 45 minutes.

2. Will it hurt?
The hygienist will use either topical anaesthetic or local anaesthetic (like having a filling) to ensure the visit is pain-free.

3. What happens in the dental hygienist appointments?
The hygienist will spend some time checking your oral hygiene and the techniques you use. She will advise you how this can be improved if necessary and point out any areas that your are missing. She will also carry out thorough debridement and cleaning of the teeth.

4. How many appointments will I need?
The hygienist will work with you and work around your mouth until all the areas have been thoroughly cleaned and she is satisfied with your oral hygiene.

5. What are the benefits of visiting a dental hygienist?
The hygienists are very experienced in assessing patients oral hygiene, teaching good oral hygiene techniques and thoroughly cleaning teeth and perdiodontal pockets. The hygienists at our practice are very experienced in treating patients with all the stages of gum disease from the simple to the most advanced.

1. Why is brushing important?
Bacterial plaque is the main cause of gum disease so brushing well is a key preventative measure.

2. Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A soft brush or electric tooth brush (Braun/Oral B) is our recommendation.

3. How often should I brush my teeth?
Twice daily should be sufficient.

4. Why clean between the teeth?
Bacterial plaque which is the main cause of gum disease forms a soft deposit to start with. It will accumulate anywhere where it won't be disturbed. The most common place is where the gum meets the tooth and between the teeth.

5. What is an interdental brush?
This is a specially designed brush that is used to clean between the teeth. The hygieinist will show you how to use these. You should be using the largest one that will fit in the space.

6. When should I use an interdental brush?
Twice daily is ideal. If you do not have the time then once daily is adequate provided it is done thoroughly.

1. Do I have to pay on the day of my appointment?
We usually operate on a pay as you go basis. This helps cut down on administrative work and keep our fees reasonable.

2. What sort of payments types do you accept?
We accept cash, cheques and most major credit and debit cards. An extra 2% will be charged on all CREDIT CARD payments.  

3. Do you offer payment plans?
Once the treatment plan has been co-ordinated and full costings discussed, we do offer payment plans to help you finance the treatment over affordable monthly instalments.

4. Will the treatment be covered by my dental insurance?
It is best to check this with your dental insurer before proceeding with treatment.